Every offensive lineman dreams of playing for a program that focuses intently on running the ball.
The Newport Knights, who keep the ball on the ground on about 80 percent of its offensive plays, rely on its interior lineman in order to have success. The Knights have compiled a 7-2 overall record and have clinched a berth in the playoffs.
Newport senior offensive left guard Nolan Richardson has played a huge role in his team’s ability to move the chains on a consistent basis. The tandem of Richardson and University of Oregon-bound left tackle Calvin Throckmorton result in huge running lanes for Knights’ ball-carriers between the tackles.
“Knowing that we’re going to run the ball is a lot of fun. We’re definitely looking forward to the playoffs and seeing where we can take it. I got all the confidence in the world in this team right now,” Richardson said. “We’ll give anybody we play a run for their money.”
In the eighth game of the regular season, running back Paul Wells had four touchdowns (three rushing, one receiving) turning a tie game at halftime into a blowout victory.
“He’s a great player,” Richardson said of Wells. “A lot of times on film we will see that he is making two or three guys miss in the open field. He has got a lot of talent. It gives us even more confidence on the offensive line because we know that we don’t have to make that giant hole and if we just make a small little hole, that we know he is going to get through. He’s a very hard worker. We love blocking for guys like that.”
Richardson said he and Throckmorton have known each other since kindergarten. The long-term friendship pays off on the football field. The duo are totally in sync, which has paid dividends for the Knights in pressure situations.
“Calvin and I were part of this program in elementary school where we learned Spanish all the way through school. Every now and then we will speak Spanish to each other on the field. I played basketball with him growing up, too. He’s a great basketball player,” Richardson said of Throckmorton. “We’re best friends. I’m excited to see what he is going to do at Oregon and he’s excited about what I am going to do in life.”
Recently, the Bellevue Reporter had an opportunity to ask Richardson a few questions about his life away from the football field.
Bellevue Reporter: What is your favorite movie of all time?
Nolan Richardson: My favorite movie is probably “Gladiator.” It is a very intense movie and I really enjoy that. Also, it shows very good qualities of what a man should be and coming back from a big downfall in life.
BR: What is your favorite TV show?
NR: I really enjoy “Modern Family”. It’s a fun comedy that you can watch with the whole family.
BR: Who was your idol growing up?
NR: My dad. I’ve always looked up to him because he’s very smart and wise. I’m very proud of how he has brought me up in life.
BR: What is your biggest pet peeve?
NR: People chewing with their mouths open. I find it a little bit rude.
BR: Who is your pick to win the Super Bowl in February of 2015?
NR: I love the Seattle Seahawks. I also have always been a Baltimore Ravens fan, too so one of those two teams for sure.
BR: What is your favorite restaurant in Bellevue?
NR: There’s a small place near Bellevue Square Mall called Casa D’s. I have been going to that burrito shop for a while now and I really enjoy it.
